Helena Township Planning Commission Meeting and Public Hearing Minutes

Thursday, May 8, 2025 – 5:30 PM

8751 Helena Road, Alden, Michigan 49612

Call to Order

Chair Mike Robinson called the meeting to order at 5:32 PM.

Pledge of Allegiance

All in attendance participated.

Roll Call

Present: F. VandenBerg, J. Bassil, J. Gurr, M. Robinson, G. Schafer, J. Schilling
Absent: S. Moglovkin

Township Officials Present

Butch Peeples, Bob Logee

Approval of Agenda

Due to a scheduling conflict, this May 8 meeting replaced the May 1, 2025 meeting.
J. Gurr motioned to approve the agenda, seconded by G. Schafer.
Motion approved.

Statement of Conflict of Interest

No conflicts.

Approval of April 3, 2025 Minutes

J. Schilling motioned to approve the minutes, seconded by J. Gurr.
Motion approved.

Communications

• Planning Commission and ZBA compliance training was completed by members on May 1, 2025.
• The next Helena Township Planning Commission meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 5, 2025 at 5:00 PM.

Public Input – Ordinance 5.02.02 and Definitions

Public input was reopened due to increased resident interest and concerns regarding April revisions to the ordinance language:

1. Laura Wilcox questioned and disagreed with the rescheduled monthly meeting.
2. Linda Wayne asked about changes from 4 to 2 powered watercraft (PWC) per 100 feet of shoreline and thanked the commission for allowing input.
3. Michael McCracken suggested 4 PWC per 100 feet and 1 PWC per additional 25 feet, and recommended decisions be made during summer months when more residents are present.
4. Laury Stone expressed concern that limiting PWC is unreasonable.
5. Lyal Bigger raised concerns about conflicts with shared lakefront access and grandfathering/exemptions, and requested clarification of the term “use” in the ordinance.
6. Tom McCully expressed concern the ordinance could be an abuse of property owners’ rights.
7. Darren Whipple, representing himself and the Coverts, expressed concern that restrictive ordinances could limit property rights and reduce waterfront property values.
8. Oryana Leffew, representing Albert Cash, stated the revised limits were unreasonable.

It was determined that additional input and consideration were needed. J. Schilling motioned to table this portion of the meeting, seconded by G. Schafer.
Motion approved.

The ordinance portion of the meeting was tabled for further resident input and Planning Commission consideration.

Action Items Identified

The Planning Commission is actively seeking additional input. Residents are encouraged to attend the June 5 meeting or submit comments.

1. Clarify and document terms related to grandfathering and exemptions.
2. Consider a maximum of 8 PWC for properties with over 200 feet of shoreline.
3. Evaluate potential increases in Special Use Permits and exemptions under more restrictive ordinances.
4. Clarify the term “use” within Ordinance 5.02.02, Section D.
5. Note: The Antrim County Planning Commission is standardizing submission processes; Helena Township will comply with updated procedures.

New Business

• Bob Logee, Zoning Administrator, shared the April 2025 zoning activity report.
• A walkway/sidewalk at the marina will be completed for public safety (donated by the Stone family).
• New public restroom signage has been completed and will be installed.
• Some signage at the Alden marina was vandalized earlier in May.

Old Business

• Franklin Street house: Owner representatives have been contacted regarding safety concerns, and remediation plans are in progress.
• Waterfront RVs: The RV on Green Street has been removed.

Adjournment

J. Gurr motioned to adjourn, seconded by F. VandenBerg.
The meeting adjourned at 6:15 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
Fay M. VandenBerg
Helena Township Planning Commission Secretary